MEYER QUITS WAR, INSISTS SHE IS “NOT QUITTING”

WASHINGTON, August 1961 | Secretary of Defense Selina Meyer announced today that she will be stepping away from politics indefinitely, following what she described as “a rather exhausting period.” “I think I’ve reached the point where I need to step back, breathe, and reassess,” Meyer said. “I’ve been doing this for a very long time, and frankly, I would like to spend some time somewhere where nobody needs anything from me.” Meyer said she would be traveling to a spa “for a few days,” though officials familiar with the matter said no return date has been discussed. Asked whether the decision had anything to do with the war in East Germany, Meyer became visibly agitated. “No. No, it’s not about that. It’s about me. This is a personal decision. I’m choosing to leave. I am absolutely choosing this.” After a brief pause, she added, “And I’m going to the spa.” Meyer then ended the press conference and reportedly told her aide, Gary Walsh, “Get me out of here.”